What happened in June 1959?
The top front-page story of each day in June 1959, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Jun 1🌍 Soviet Antarctic Peace – Soviet Union pledges to maintain peace in Antarctica, joining 11 nations in a scientific exploitation plan.
- Jun 2🌌 Space-Age Opera Debuts – 'Aniara' by Blomdahl opens in Stockholm, marking a significant cultural event in the realm of opera and science fiction.
- Jun 3🌸 Queen Elizabeth Celebrates – Queen Elizabeth marks the 200th flowering of the famous Kew Gardens, established by her ancestor.
- Jun 4🌍 Oil Parley in Africa – Global discussions highlight Africa's rising importance as a petroleum source during an international oil conference.
- Jun 5🚀 Senate Approves Space Bill – The U.S. Senate votes 81-1 to approve a $485 million funding bill for space exploration for the upcoming year.
- Jun 6🏆 Cantello Breaks Javelin Record – Cantello smashes world javelin record with a throw of 282 feet 3.5 inches at the Compton meet.
- Jun 7🌌 Cell Life in Space – Fertilized sea urchin eggs survived a space trip, demonstrating resilience of life in extreme conditions.
- Jun 8🚢 Cruise Liner Arrival – The cruise liner Ariadne makes its first visit under Germany's flag, marking a significant event in maritime history.
- Jun 9🛰 Satellite Telescope Planned – U.S. announces plans for a satellite to deploy a telescope into orbit at an altitude of 500 miles for astronomical observations.
- Jun 10🎨 Leningrad Art Originality – Soviet city Leningrad showcases unique art style, borrowing from the West while creating its own distinct originality.
- Jun 11🚀 U.N. Group Lists Space – A U.N. group urges a practical approach to legal issues arising from space explorations and their implications.
- Jun 12🌍 Astronaut Flight Planned – NASA plans first astronaut flight, aiming for three circuits around the globe in 4.5 hours, marking a significant step in space exploration.
- Jun 13🔬 Trans-Atlantic TV Test – A test successfully sends television pictures over a telephone cable across the Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant technological advancement.
- Jun 14🔬 Automation Advances Industry – G.E. showcases new automation in turbine plant, significantly reducing job time and enhancing efficiency.
- Jun 15🏌️ Casper Wins U.S. Open – Casper's score of 282 captures the U.S. Open, with Rosburg finishing as runner-up at 283.
- Jun 16✈️ Douglas Offers Jetliner – Douglas introduces the Turbo-Fan DC-9, a medium jetliner capable of carrying 87 passengers to smaller cities.
- Jun 17🎓 Degrees Bestowed on Graduates – Hunter University awards degrees to 1,020 graduates; Benton encourages them to engage in politics for a better future.
- Jun 18🏥 Gov. Long Hospitalized – Louisiana Governor Long returns from Texas and enters a hospital for treatment, accompanied by his wife.
- Jun 19🛰️ Radio Telescope Built – A Navy instrument is being constructed in West Virginia to explore space and potentially yield clues about the universe.
- Jun 20🏛️ Ancient Arena Excavated – Excavation in Rome uncovers a 3rd-century arena, shedding light on ancient architecture and history.
- Jun 21🌊 St. Lawrence Seaway Opens – The St. Lawrence Seaway opens, connecting the Great Lakes to the ocean, promising to reshape North America's economic future.
- Jun 22🏌️ Ford Wins Canadian Open – Ford rallies with a final round of 70, finishing with a total of 276 to win the Canadian Open by two shots.
- Jun 23🏗️ Plastic Homes Proposed – Experts advocate for plastic materials to significantly reduce housing construction costs.
- Jun 24🔬 Polio Vaccine Tested – A three-way vaccine for polio is tested, showing potential for immunity against all types of the disease.
- Jun 25🏛️ Red Cross Centennial – Red Cross marks its centennial, commemorating the Battle of Solferino in 1859 that initiated its humanitarian work.
- Jun 26🏌️ Pott Sets Course Record – Johnny Pott sets a course record of 63 for the Chicago Open, leading the first round with Venturi in second at 64.
- Jun 27🚢 Seaway Dedicated – Queen Elizabeth and President Eisenhower dedicate the St. Lawrence Seaway, praising the U.S.-Canadian project during a ceremonial cruise.
- Jun 28⚡ Queen and Nixon Dedicate – Queen Elizabeth II and President Nixon jointly dedicate the St. Lawrence Power Facility, symbolizing U.S.-Canada cooperation.
- Jun 29🌍 Hawaiians Hail Statehood – Hawaii's statehood vote passes with an 18-1 margin, celebrated by Governor Quinn and Democrats.
- Jun 30🔬 New Universe Study – Hoyle and Gold's calculations suggest the universe may reach a temperature of 100 million degrees, challenging previous theories.
Happy Birthday! 1959 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1959 in real headlines. See the 1959 book →